Quantum Engineering and Sensing Technology Laboratory (QuEST)
Goddard’s QuEST Lab provides unique testbeds and world-class experimental facilities to perform research and development and technology maturation of atomic sensors and laser subsystems for space science.
Goddard has established a laboratory facility to enable research into emerging technologies in atom-based quantum sensing. This unique facility is designed to connect the quantum and atomic, molecular, and optical physics research community with sensor engineers and end-user scientists. The QuEST laboratory includes the following capabilities and facilities:
- High stability external cavity diode lasers at wavelengths relevant for the alkali atoms utilized in cold atom sensors
- Saturation spectroscopy systems and servo control systems to stabilize laser frequency to atomic transitions
- Wavemeter and optical test equipment for characterizing stabilized, narrow linewidth lasers
- Cs cold atom system, with a two-dimensional (2D) magneto optical trap (MOT) feeding a three-dimensional (3D) MOT capable of achieving sub-Doppler atom temperatures with optical access
- Rb ultra-cold system, with a 2D MOT feeding a custom 3D MOT with integral atom chip capable of achieving a Rb Bose Einstein Condensate (BEC)
- Cameras for fluorescence and absorption imaging of atom clouds
- GPS timing standards
- Compact optical frequency combs
- Optical bench space for prototyping optical atomic clock and atom-based sensing subsystems
QuEST Atomic Sensors and Clocks




Atom Interferometer Gravity Gradiometer (AIGG)
In partnership with QuEST and AOSense, Inc., the AIGG Experiment is a unique experimental facility for atomic gravity gradiometry:
- 2x independent atom interferometer separated by a 2-meter baseline (one of the largest atom interferometers in world)
- Produce 108 Cs atoms at <100 nK
- Enable up to 300 ms of interferometry time
- Rotation compensation and full imaging measurement


Contact:
Peter.G.Brereton
Holly Leopardi
The Quantum Engineering and Sensing Technology Laboratory (QuEST) is managed by Earth Sciences and ETD’s Instrument Systems and Technology Division (ISTD). Contact ISTD for more information.